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24 Document(s) [ Subject: Workforce%20Commission%2C%20Texas ]

Committee:	House Business and Industry
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Child care \| Coronavirus \| Correctional officers \| Electronic security \| Emergency medical services \| Firefighters \| Homeowners' associations \| Peace officers \| Privacy \| Retail industry \| Theft \| Unemployment \| Unemployment benefits \| Workers' compensation \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.87 B964
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [88 pages File size: 4,132 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: HB 3746, 87th R.S., relating to certain notifications required following a breach of security or computerized data; SB 22, 87th R.S., relating to certain claims for benefits, compensation, or assistance by certain public safety employees and survivors of certain public safety employees; and SB 1588, 87th R.S., and SB 581, 87th R.S., relating to the powers and duties of certain property owners’ associations.
2.	Study workers’ compensation claims involving public safety employees described by SB 22, 87th R.S. This study should include an analysis of medical costs, return-to-work outcomes, utilization of care, satisfaction with care, and health-related functional outcomes.
3.	Study the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on unemployment trends, hurdles to workforce reentry, and industry-specific disruptions.
4.	Study the impact of organized retail crime on Texas businesses. Make recommendations for addressing the redistribution of stolen merchandise into the supply chain, including through online marketplaces, to protect Texas businesses and consumers. Make recommendations relating to transparency for online marketplaces and information that should be provided by sellers.
5.	Review operational changes and strategies employed by the Texas Workforce Commission to improve outcomes related to Unemployment Benefit Services, including application and payment processes, customer services, and fraud deterrence.
6.	Evaluate the overall state of data privacy and online consumer protections in Texas and study the related laws and legislative efforts of other states. Make recommendations to ensure consumer data protections and online privacy.
Supporting documents
Committee:	House Business and Industry
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, April 27, 2022 (Texas Workforce Commission and unemployment insurance, Impact of COVID-19 on unemployment trends)
Library Call Number:
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View document [14 pages File size: 411 kb]
Committee:	Senate Higher Education
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Career preparedness \| Community college enrollment \| Coronavirus \| Education Agency, Texas \| Job training programs \| Permanent University Fund \| Student aid \| University athletics \| University enrollment \| University finance \| Workforce \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [47 pages File size: 1,392 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Workforce Education: Evaluate state efforts to support access to work-based learning and microcredential opportunities, including apprenticeships, industry-based certificates and certifications, as well as competency-based education. Assess the potential benefits of expanding access to work-based learning, apprenticeships, microcredentials, and industry-based certifications that are aligned to workforce needs and provide in-demand workforce skills and competencies. Evaluate existing resources and programs at institutions, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Workforce Commission to support these opportunities and ultimately reach Tri-Agency goals. Consider recommendations to standardize these programs in order increase postsecondary degree completions.
2.	Enrollment Trends: Study the postsecondary enrollment trends across all sectors and levels of higher education in Texas, with a review on specific challenges to enrollment. Consider the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on direct high school-to-college enrollment, first-time college enrollment, transferability, and retention rates, as well as the overall impact on community college enrollment. Make recommendations on specific methods to address disparities and pandemic impacts relating to enrollment trends in order to achieve Texas' higher education goals in building a Talent Strong Texas.
3.	Funding Permanent University Fund: Review the history and use of the Permanent University Fund for the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University, and explore the creation of a new legacy fund to address the needs of all other higher education institutions in Texas. Make recommendations on methods to streamline other existing research funds and finance research academic institutions in Texas.
4.	Teaching and Health Care Workforce Participation: Review financial aid and scholarship opportunities in Texas related to teaching, health care, and law enforcement, and examine methods to increase participation in these and other high-demand fields. In particular, study the participation rates of the Math and Science Scholars Loan Repayment Program, the Peace Officer Loan Repayment Program, and the Nursing Corps Loan Repayment Program, and make recommendations on ways to increase participation rates in each area.
5.	Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Higher Education passed by the 87th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following: SB 1102, 87th R.S., relating to the establishment of the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Program to support workforce education; SB 1230, 87th R.S., relating to establishing the Texas Commission on Community College Finance; SB 1385, 87th R.S., relating to the compensation and professional representation of student athletes participating in intercollegiate athletic programs at certain institutions of higher education; and HB 3767, 87th R.S., relating to measures to support the alignment of education and workforce development in the state with state workforce needs, including the establishment of the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative.
Committee:	House International Relations and Economic Development
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Border crossings \| Border economy \| Border issues \| Child care \| Coronavirus \| Economic development incentives \| Economy \| Federal funds \| International trade \| Investment of public funds \| Mexico \| Russia \| Semiconductor industry \| Unemployment \| Workforce \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.87 EC74IR
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [44 pages File size: 1,762 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the impact that trade across the Texas-Mexico border has on the Texas economy. Consider the impact of the recent increase in border migration on transnational trade, including its effects on the communities along the border, points of entry, and access by Texas businesses to supplies, labor, materials, and markets in Mexico. (Joint charge with Committee on Transportation)
2.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: HB 619, 87th R.S., relating to developing a strategic plan to support the child-care workforce; HB 1792, 87th R.S., relating to the evaluation of child-care providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program; HB 2607, 87th R.S., relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Workforce Commission and local workforce development boards regarding the provision of childcare and the subsidized childcare program; HB 3767, 87th R.S., relating to measures to support the alignment of education and workforce development with state workforce needs, including the establishment of the Tri- Agency Workforce Initiative; and SB 1555, 87th R.S., relating to establishing reimbursement rates for certain child-care providers participating in the subsidized childcare program.
3.	Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.
4.	Monitor the state’s economic recovery and identify obstacles impeding the state’s economic recovery. Examine the economic impact of inflation on both employers and employees. Examine global supply chain disruptions on state commerce and the flow of trade at Texas ports. Explore opportunities to attract businesses to Texas that have outsourced elements of their supply chain to foreign countries.
5.	Examine current economic development incentive programs and identify opportunities to enhance job creation in Texas. Make recommendations to promote transparency and enhance effectiveness of such programs.
6.	Evaluate Texas’ current efforts to attract semiconductor investment to the state. Identify potential strengths and vulnerabilities that could impact the success of Texas’ semiconductor industry and the ability to create and maintain a reliable semiconductor supply chain.
7.	Evaluate labor shortages and Texas’ unemployment numbers. Identify initiatives within the Texas Workforce Commission to expand job training and apprenticeship opportunities to help meet labor demands. Identify opportunities to increase outreach and information regarding career development.
8.	Review the impact that trade with Russia has on the Texas economy, including Texas manufacturers. Consider the impact of Texas investment in businesses and funds owned or controlled by the Russian government or Russian nationals, and determine the need for investment restrictions. Consider the impacts of any proposed investment restrictions on access by Texas businesses and the Texas scientific and technological community to capital investment, global markets, and competitive knowledge.
Committee:	Senate Veteran Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Affordable housing \| General Land Office, Texas \| Homelessness \| Law enforcement \| Mental health services \| Mentally ill persons \| Post-traumatic stress disorder \| Privatization \| Veterans \| Veterans cemeteries \| Veterans health care \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.87 V641
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [26 pages File size: 523 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	State Veteran Cemeteries: Evaluate the current oversight of the Texas State Veteran Cemeteries to ensure that these sacred and essential grounds are being maintained, repaired, and treated with respect. Ensure that the needs of our veterans are being met by reviewing the number, location, and funding of the cemeteries. Examine and make recommendations for the financing mechanism for the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries to ensure sustainability.
2.	Veteran Benefits: Explore and report on options to remove barriers for companies offering veteran benefits and consider policies that could leverage additional public-private-partnerships. Identify opportunities to connect veterans to existing business resources and available state services. Recommend ways to increase matching federal funding for veteran benefits. Review current law for consistency in eligibility for state veteran benefits and recommend any necessary changes.
3.	Veteran Mental Health: Review the currently accepted forms of treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and consider the creation of a program which would require completion of a multi-modality treatment plan including traditional talk therapy, limbic system therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and emotionally focused individual therapy (EFIT).
4.	Veteran Mental Health: Identify the training and resources available to urban and rural first responders when assisting veterans experiencing a mental health crisis. Make recommendations for how to best support first responders in these crisis situations.
Committee:	Senate Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Border security \| Cattle \| Daylight saving time \| Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on \| Flood control \| Groundwater \| Groundwater conservation districts \| Hydraulic fracturing \| Infrastructure \| Meat processing plants \| Produced Water Consortium, Texas \| Reservoirs \| Rural areas \| Rural economic development \| Texas State Water Plan \| Theft \| Undocumented immigrants \| Wastewater management \| Water conservation \| Water Development Board, Texas \| Water recycling \| Water supplies \| Winter Storm Uri \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.87 W291A
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [88 pages File size: 4,475 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Water Utility Infrastructure: Evaluate the state's water infrastructure. Study and make recommendations on options to upgrade and update water infrastructure to address deferred maintenance, disasters, and water loss.
2.	Water Supply: Review and make recommendations to complete specific projects identified in the 2022 State Water Plan. In light of recent changes to the global economy, consider the current regulatory process regarding innovative technology solutions to water supply needs, such as marine desalination, and make recommendations for their improvement.
3.	Groundwater Management and Protection: Evaluate the status and effectiveness of the State's groundwater management process, including data used to support regional water planning and conservation goals. Report on the effectiveness of the State's groundwater protection efforts and whether statutory changes are needed to protect groundwater quality.
4.	Rural Employment: Study and make recommendations on rural small business development and workforce needs. Consider and recommend innovative methods for business development in rural parts of the state.
5.	Daylight Savings Time: Examine and report on how permanently maintaining daylight savings time impacts the agricultural community.
6.	Rural Immigration: Consider the Federal government's open border policies and practices of releasing illegal immigrants in rural areas of the state. Report on the impact to rural Texas, and their local ability to address social, health, and law enforcement needs.
7.	Meat Packing Facilities: Study the need for additional meat packing facilities in Texas. Evaluate and report on the increased cost to Texas ranchers and revenue lost in the Texas economy when meatpacking facilities are utilized outside of Texas.
8.	Agricultural Theft: Study the impact of cattle theft on farming and ranching operations throughout Texas and recommend cost-effective measures to mitigate loss and increase security.
9.	Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs passed by the 87th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following: SB 8, 86th R.S., Relating to state and regional flood planning; SB 601, 87th R.S., Relating to the creation and activities of the Texas Produced Water Consortium; SB 905, 87th R.S., Relating to guidance on the regulations applicable to the potable reuse of wastewater; and HB 3516, 87th R.S., Relating to the regulation of the recycling of fluid oil and gas waste.
Committee:	House Economic and Small Business Development
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Career preparedness \| Career schools \| e-commerce \| Economic development \| Economic development incentives \| Economy \| Energy industry employment \| High tech employment \| High tech industry \| Natural gas industry \| Office of Economic Development and Tourism \| Oil industry \| Rural economic development \| Short-term rentals \| Small businesses \| State budgets \| Transportation network companies \| Workforce \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.84 Ec74h
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View report [31 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the impacts of the declining price of oil and the continuously depressed price of natural gas on the Texas economy and the fiscal implications for the Texas budget. Consider impacts on local communities most dependent on oil and gas activity, including impacts on supporting economies such as retail, manufacturing, housing industries, etc. Recommend strategies for sustained energy development and workforce growth during times of depressed energy prices. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Energy Resources)
2.	Evaluate what local governments are doing to attract businesses to their communities and examine ways the state can leverage these practices and provide support. Include ways to improve local economic development programs to ensure a continued return on investment for taxpayers. In addition, study the authority, financial accountability, and types of statutorily allowed expenditures of economic development corporations. Provide analysis of 4A and 4B sales tax programs and determine if they are still meeting their intended purpose effectively.
3.	Study opportunities and financial incentives for expansion and growth of small businesses in Texas. Examine if adequate resources and capital exist for small businesses. Include analysis of any regulatory or tax hurdles and provide recommendations to alleviate these burdens. Furthermore, review programs available to provide training and support to develop business management and finance skills. Consider financial incentives that would incentivize expansion of existing small businesses and growth for new small businesses.
4.	Oversee implementation of HB 26 (84R). Review best practices for measuring success of economic development incentives. Consider general metrics or principles to aid the Legislature in determining viable and sustainable incentive programs that provide a "Return on Investment" for taxpayers.
5.	Evaluate Texas's competitiveness with other states in recruiting and cultivating high-growth, high-tech industries, fostering economic development, and creating new jobs. Examine if current incentives and regulations assist or hinder the state's ability to compete with other states for economic growth and sustainability.
6.	Examine if the state has an adequately diversified economic foundation and make recommendations on how to better achieve diversification. Look at ways to achieve balance between rural and urban economic development. Consider methods to improve workforce development initiatives and incentives that will improve re-employment after layoffs and release from incarceration as well as methods to improve employment rates for recent graduates.
7.	Evaluate how Texas can support shared economy growth in the state and include implications of such growth on existing, traditional businesses. Develop characteristics by which to classify "shared economy" business and determine how the state can ensure customer security and satisfaction as well as public health without enacting burdensome regulations.
8.	Examine partnerships between higher education institutions, public school districts, and workforce that promote postsecondary readiness. Provide coordination recommendations to ensure vocational, career, and technical education programs are more accessible. Determine the most effective ways to invest in these partnerships and programs to direct at-risk students to stable career paths. Examine current rules and laws limiting employers from providing meaningful internships, apprenticeships, and other opportunities. Consider new methods to finance workforce training programs and associated assets in high schools and postsecondary schools, including ways to reduce or eliminate these costs and options to incentivize businesses to invest in training equipment for schools. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Public Education)
9.	Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 84th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs. e. monitor the impact of major economic development legislation passed by the 84th Legislature. f. include updates regarding transfer of duties and services from health and human services agencies to the Texas Workforce Commission, including implementation of SB 208 and SB 212. Coordinate with the Legislative Oversight Committee constituted by SB 208, when necessary. g. evaluate the impact of incentive reform legislation, including the elimination of the Emerging Technology Fund and the transition of contracts to the Comptroller's office.
Committee:	House Business and Industry
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Automobile repairs \| Consumer credit and debt \| Consumer Credit Commissioner, Office of \| Electronic security \| Employees \| Identity theft \| Independent contractors \| Liens \| Theft \| Wages \| Workers' compensation \| Workforce \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.83 B964
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View report [66 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the voluntary nature of workers' compensation in Texas and how it meets the needs of employers and employees.
2.	Review existing lien laws in Texas. Specifically: a. Examine laws concerning the enforcement of contract liens affecting real property. Identify improvements, if any, that will enhance the certainty of title following sale, enhance ability to ensure that sales are conducted by qualified trustees, prevent unnecessary litigation, facilitate loss mitigation between borrowers and sellers, and protect the interests of homeowners, lenders and trustees. b. Study the imposition of mechanics' liens on automobiles and its impact on mechanics, car owners and purchasers, and lenders. c. Review ad valorem tax lien lending after the implementation of SB 247, 83rd R.S. and the impact on homeowners, taxing authorities, mortgage lenders, and tax lien lenders. Review the procedures and powers of the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner to ensure compliance with SB 247.
3.	Study the impact of SB 1024,82 R.S. on wage theft and law enforcement's and regulatory agencies' responses to wage theft claims. Recommend changes if necessary.
4.	Examine the issue of misclassifying employees as independent contractors on workers, employers, income tax withholding, and the unemployment insurance system. Review current statutory deterrents, including those equired by HB 2015, 83rd R.S., and make recommendations for changes if necessary.
5.	Study the impact of credit card data theft and other credit or privacy information theft on Texas consumers and businesses.
6.	Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 83rd Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
Committee:	House Government Efficiency and Reform
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Attorney General Open Records Division \| Cellular telephones \| e-government \| Health and Human Services Commission, Texas \| Information Resources, Texas Department of \| Library & Archives Commission, Texas State \| Open government \| Public information \| Public Information Act, Texas \| State agencies \| State purchasing \| Transportation planning \| Transportation, Texas Department of \| Water planning \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.83 G747r
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View report [36 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine current restrictions on state and local governmental entities relating to the construction of critical infrastructure, including transportation and water projects, and make recommendations for expediting and creating more cost-effective and efficient methods for the construction of such projects.
2.	Study the current laws, rules, and processes in place for the Department of Information Resources's Cooperative Contracts and recommend improvements to the 84th Legislature. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Technology)
3.	Review the application of the Public Information Act to requests for large amounts of electronic data. Examine whether the procedures and deadlines imposed by the Act give governmental bodies enough time to identify and protect confidential information in such requests.
4.	Examine the public's accessibility to government services and agencies through the use of mobile applications and online services. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Technology)
5.	Study the benefits of utilizing a Chief Innovation Officer for Texas and its agencies.
6.	Study the feasibility of having all state agencies use the Texas Workforce Commission's "Work in Texas" website for a more standardized applications process. Determine the interest of municipal, county, and other jurisdictions in boosting their utilization of the website.
7.	Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 83rd Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
Committee:	House Public Health
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Border crossings \| Border issues \| Border security \| Dental Examiners, Texas State Board of \| Dentists \| Ebola \| Food and Drug Administration, U.S. \| Foster care \| Immunizations \| Medical records \| Pharmaceutical industry \| Pharmacies \| Pregnancy \| Prenatal care \| Prescription drugs \| Psychoactive drugs \| Substance abuse \| Unaccompanied minors \| Undocumented immigrants \| Workers' compensation \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.83 H349h
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View report [82 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Assess the prevalence of nonmedical prescription drug use in the state (including opioid analgesics, stimulants, tranquilizers, and sedatives). Identify adverse health impacts. Recommend strategies to curb emerging substance abuse trends among children, pregnant women, and adults, as well as to reduce health care costs and mortality.
2.	Study and make recommendations for improvements to the licensing, regulation, and monitoring of compounding pharmacies, including a review of the joint cooperative efforts between the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, Department of State Health Services, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Consider the impact of the passage of SB 1100, 83rd R.S., additional appropriations made by the 83rd Legislature to strengthen inspections, and any relevant federal legislation.
3.	Identify strategies to support the efficient exchange of electronic health information with Texas Health and Human Services enterprise agencies. Examine legal and technical issues around the accessibility of information held in registries maintained by state agencies to authorized health care providers. Identify issues related to health information exchange and providers' liability, as well as concerns related to transitioning patient data in cases where a provider selects a new electronic health record vendor.
4.	Examine the current practice for dispensation of biologic and follow-on biologic (biosimilar) pharmaceutical products in our state. Review any practices for interchangeability of drugs that might pertain to these particular medicines. Review and make recommendations regarding the substitution of biosimilar and biologic medicines.
5.	Monitor transition of the state's immunization registry to a new system. Determine whether the registry can be better utilized to prevent and/or respond to communicable disease outbreaks, including pertussis. Identify potential factors contributing to the rise in the number of pertussis cases and strategies to prevent future outbreaks.
6.	Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 83rd Legislature, including HB 15, 83rd R.S.. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
Committee:	House Technology
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	911 emergency telephone service \| Broadband infrastructure \| High tech industry \| Information Resources, Texas Department of \| Personnel management \| Privatization \| Rural areas \| Social media \| Texas Emerging Technology Fund \| Universal Service Fund \| Workforce \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.82 T227
Session:	82nd R.S. (2011)
Online version:	View report [41 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine ways to create incentives for technology companies to come to Texas, including the feasibility of public-private partnerships. The study should include the economic impact of the high-tech industry in Texas and the state's ability to compete with other states for high-tech jobs. Examine the state's current areas of differentiated technology research and development and recommend strategies to capitalize on that intellectual property and commercialization. Include strategies to attract Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding to Texas.
2.	Examine the benefits and financial costs associated with modernizing 911 call centers with the newest technology to connect dispatchers with callers using mobile means of communication in the fastest and most accurate manner possible during a time of emergency.
3.	Study the impact of federal broadband expansion programs on rural areas. Coordinate this review with the Public Utility Commission's evaluation of the state Texas Universal Service Fund and the Federal Communications Commission's national broadband plan.
4.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 82nd Legislature.
5.	Examine human resource policies of state agencies that would integrate the implementation of social media to strengthen the state's workforce.
Committee:	Senate Economic Development
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 82nd Texas Legislature
Subjects:	Economic development \| Economic stabilization \| Historically Underutilized Business Program \| Job training programs \| Minority-owned/women-owned businesses \| Small businesses \| State purchasing \| Tax incentives \| Texas Emerging Technology Fund \| Texas Enterprise Fund \| Workforce \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.81 Ec74s
Session:	81st R.S. (2009)
Online version:	View report [23 pages File size: 217 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Assess the effectiveness of major economic development programs in Texas. The review should include but not be limited to such programs as the Enterprise Fund, Emerging Technology Fund, Skills Development, and Enterprise Zones. Review major tax policy issues that encourage or hinder business development, including options for reinstating a margins tax research and development tax credit. Examine economic development programs in other states that have been successful and recommend changes to existing state programs, new programs, or changes in tax policy incentives that could increase job creation in Texas.
2.	Review the effectiveness of state programs aimed at assisting small business growth and development, including whether the development of a Small Business Commission could lead to a more efficient use of state resources. Include an assessment of all state policies aimed to assist small business and minority-owned business persons with procurement of state contracts.
3.	Review the impact of workforce development programs on economic development across the state. Focus on the impact of Texas Workforce Commission initiatives, the JET (Jobs and Education for Texas) program administered by the Comptroller's office, and federally funded stimulus programs. Make recommendations for legislation to improve and enhance workforce development in Texas.
4.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Economic Development, 81st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.
Committee:	Senate Veteran Affairs and Military Installations
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	The Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations report and recommendations to the 80th Texas Legislature
Subjects:	Dental care \| Fort Bliss \| Job training programs \| Military personnel \| Subprime lending \| Veterans \| Veterans cemeteries \| Veterans Commission, Texas \| Veterans health care \| Veterans homes \| Voting by mail \| Voting rights \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.79 V641
Session:	79th R.S. (2005)
Online version:	View report [44 pages File size: 2,250 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine issues and problems with overseas military voting and explore the possibility of establishing a single point of contact for Texas military voters. Consider requirements of the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Act and review systems established in other states.
2.	Compile an inventory of state veterans' benefits, including health care facilities and nursing homes across the state, the state veteran cemetery system, job training programs, educational benefits, and re-employment rights issues, and the Texas Veterans Land Board Loan Programs, and make recommendations for improving efficiency and effectiveness.
3.	Monitor the implementation legislation transferring the veteran employment programs under the Texas Workforce Commission to the Texas Veterans Commission. Monitor the implementation of legislation establishing a database in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board that tracks veterans' usage of the Hazlewood higher education tuition exemption.
4.	Examine other issues facing the 80th Legislature, such as oral health of guardsmen and reservists, Ellington Field and Fort Bliss, predatory lending, TRICARE provider shortages, business and employment issues for veterans, and the need for a VA hospital in the Rio Grande Valley.
Committee:	Senate Business and Commerce
Title:	Interim Report - Unemployment Compensation Insurance Program
Library Catalog Title:	Texas Unemployment Compensation Insurance Program : interim report to the 79th Texas Legislature
Subjects:	Unemployment benefits \| Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.78 B963uc
Session:	78th R.S. (2003)
Online version:	View report [44 pages File size: 596 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Study and make recommendations relating to the Texas unemployment compensation insurance program, including, but not limited, the following: trends in benefit fraud and claim overpayments; effectiveness of Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) management and operational practices; development and implementation of innovative unemployment fraud detection and collection strategies by the TWC; other governmental research on misclassification of workers resulting in underpayments to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund; options for leveraging federal funds; and the feasibility of targeted audits to detect fraud. Include recommendations to improve the transition of individuals off unemployment insurance, such as enhancing claimant job search programs and placement strategies.
Committee:	Senate State Affairs
Title:	Charge 2 Devolution in the state
Library Catalog Title:	Senate Committee on State Affairs report to the 77th Legislature : charge 2, studying the impact of devolution on the state.
Subjects:	Aging and Disability Services, Texas Department of \| Federal funds \| Federal government \| Health, Texas Department of \| Housing and Community Affairs, Texas Department of \| Human Services, Texas Department of \| Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Texas \| State agencies \| State Auditor's Office, Texas \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.76 st29a 2
Session:	76th R.S. (1999)
Online version:	View report [93 pages File size: 3,705 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Study the impact of devolution and other federal streamlining and efficiency efforts on major state agencies, including full-time equivalent employee (FTE) increases, major programmatic changes, and administrative costs to the state. The Committee shall also study conflicts and overlaps among agencies resulting from federally devolved functions and responsibilities. The Committee shall coordinate study of this issue with the Committee on Finance. The final preparation of the report will be the responsibility of the State Affairs Committee.
Committee:	House Appropriations
Title:	Appropriations, Economic Development, and Human Services Subcommittees on Welfare and Workforce Reform joint report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committees on Appropriations, Economic Development, and Human Services : subcommittees on Welfare and Workforce Reform, Texas House of Representatives joint interim report, 1998 : a report to the House of Representatives, 76th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Job training programs \| Local Workforce Development Boards \| Welfare \| Welfare reform \| Welfare-to-work \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 w457
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Online version:	View report [84 pages File size: 5,093 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Actively monitor the implementation of state and federal welfare reforms. Conduct a comprehensive review of the Texas Workforce Commission, including its organization, rules, plans, and spending. Establish specific goals for welfare reform and assess problems and opportunities for the attainment of these goals. (Joint with the House Committees on Economic Development and Human Services; coordinate with the Workforce Development Legislative Oversight Committee)
Committee:	House Economic Development
Title:	Appropriations, Economic Development, and Human Services Subcommittees on Welfare and Workforce Reform joint interim report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committees on Appropriations, Economic Development, and Human Services : subcommittees on Welfare and Workforce Reform, Texas House of Representatives joint interim report, 1998 : a report to the House of Representatives, 76th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Job training programs \| Local Workforce Development Boards \| Welfare \| Welfare reform \| Welfare-to-work \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 w457
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Online version:	View report [84 pages File size: 5,093 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Actively monitor the implementation of state and federal welfare reforms. Conduct a comprehensive review of the Texas Workforce Commission, including its organization, rules, plans, and spending. Establish specific goals for welfare reform and assess problems and opportunities for the attainment of those goals. (Joint with House Committees on Appropriations and Human Services; coordinate with the Workforce Development Legislative Oversight Committee)
Committee:	House Economic Development
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Economic Development Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1998 : a report to the House of Representatives, 76th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Border economy \| Border environment \| Border issues \| Border transit corridors \| Border transportation \| Environmental protection \| North American Free Trade Agreement \| Unemployment benefits \| Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund \| Unemployment taxes \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 ec74h
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Online version:	View report [171 pages File size: 7,064 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Conduct a comprehensive review of the unemployment compensation system, including employer contribution rates, benefit determination factors, long-term financial stability, efficiency of benefit delivery and adjudication procedures, and any problems faced by employers or beneficiaries.
2.	Assess the effects of NAFTA on major industrial, business, agricultural, and labor sectors, as well as trade. Review any other positive or negative impacts, including such areas as environmental and public safety issues. Report on the responses of Texas economic sectors to changes brought about by NAFTA.
Committee:	House Human Services
Title:	Appropriations, Economic Development, and Human Services Subcommittees on Welfare and Workforce Reform joint interim report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committees on Appropriations, Economic Development, and Human Services : subcommittees on Welfare and Workforce Reform, Texas House of Representatives joint interim report, 1998 : a report to the House of Representatives, 76th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Job training programs \| Local Workforce Development Boards \| Welfare \| Welfare reform \| Welfare-to-work \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 w457
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Online version:	View report [84 pages File size: 5,093 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Actively monitor the implementation of state and federal welfare reforms. Conduct a comprehensive review of the Texas Workforce Commission, including its organization, rules, plans, and spending. Establish specific goals for welfare reform and assess problems and opportunities for the attainment of those goals. (Joint with House Committees on Economic Development and Appropriations; coordinate with the Workforce Development Legislative Oversight Committee)
Committee:	Senate North American Free Trade Agreement, Interim
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	A report to the 76th Legislature.
Subjects:	Affordable housing \| Border counties \| Border economy \| Border health \| Border issues \| Border transit corridors \| Border transportation \| Colonias \| Employment \| Environment \| Environmental protection \| Interstate Highway 35 \| Job training programs \| Literacy \| Local Workforce Development Boards \| North American Free Trade Agreement \| Railroads \| Traffic \| Transportation \| Transportation infrastructure \| Unemployment \| Water quality management \| Water supplies \| Workforce \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 n811
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Online version:	View report [163 pages File size: 12,556 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Evaluate the impact of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on the Texas economy and determine how different segments of the economy are affected.
2.	Determine how NAFTA has affected employment and identify any employment losses or gains. Assess how the state's workforce programs have responded to any employment changes and make any necessary recommendations to improve that response.
3.	Assess the impact NAFTA is having on the state's infrastructure, including but not limited to transportation, education, housing, the environment and health and human services.
4.	Develop a statewide strategic response plan to the effects of NAFTA in Texas which identifies available and needed resources at the local, state and federal level and provides for a coordinated response.
Committee:	Joint Workforce Development, Legislative Oversight
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Workforce Development Legislative Oversight Committee report to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the state of Texas.
Subjects:	Job training programs \| Local Workforce Development Boards \| Texas Workforce Development Act \| Welfare reform \| Welfare-to-work \| Workforce \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 w892
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Online version:	View report [87 pages File size: 7,570 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Monitor workforce development and cooperate with the Texas Workforce Commission in implementing the workforce system in the state. *
Committee:	House Economic Development
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Committee on Economic Development, Texas House of Representatives interim report 1996: a report to the 75th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Economic development \| Economic development corporations \| Enterprise zone programs \| Job training programs \| Local Workforce Development Boards \| Skills Development/Smart Jobs Fund \| Tax incentives \| Welfare-to-work \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.74 ec74h
Session:	74th R.S. (1995)
Online version:	View report [86 pages File size: 3,811 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the effectiveness of Reinvestment Zones, Enterprise Zones and Enterprise Projects, including the number of businesses in each, the relationship between investment required and benefit received and the impact of previous legislation.
2.	Study the differences between 4A and 4B economic development corporations, particularly whether each type should be allowed to invest in projects currently exclusive to the other.
3.	Conduct active oversight of agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction, including the consolidation of job training programs in the Texas Workforce Commission; problems associated with any reduction in federal job training funds; and on-going implementation of the Smart Jobs program.
Committee:	Senate Education
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Senate Education Committee final report to the 75th Legislature.
Subjects:	Career and technical education \| College preparedness \| Elementary education \| High technology \| Higher education \| Higher education affordability \| Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas \| Job training programs \| Juvenile justice alternative education programs \| Juvenile justice system \| Legislative Budget Board, Texas \| Medical education \| School districts \| School finance \| Secondary education \| Student aid \| Tuition \| University administrators \| University enrollment \| University faculty salaries \| University research \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.74 ed83
Session:	74th R.S. (1995)
Online version:	View report [57 pages File size: 2,198 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the role of the Texas Legislature, Texas Higher Eduation Coordinating Board, and the university systems in making changes in the governance structure of universities and implementing academic/research programs.
2.	Monitor the implementation of SB 1, 74th R.S. with emphasis on the relationship established between the education and juvenile justice communities; the change in relationship between the state and independent school districts; the implementation of home-rule districts, and campus and program charter provisions; and the LBB studies on school funding special allotments and program weights.
3.	Review the affordability of higher education in Texas in light of potential cutbacks in Federal student financial assistance, increases in tuition and student services fees, and recent state-funded student assistance measures.
4.	Study higher education financial issues related to the projected increases in enrollment; faculty and administrator salaries; and support for research into emerging technologies and for medical schools.
5.	Review educational services and training provided to non-college bound students, and make recommendations on the appropriate educational institutions to ensure that these students acquire employment skills.
6.	Study the appropriate role of and relationships between the levels of education in Texas. Such relationships include elementary/secondary education and higher education, and two year and four-year institutions.
Committee:	Joint Workforce Development, Legislative Oversight
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Work in progress : a report.
Subjects:	Job training programs \| Local Workforce Development Boards \| Welfare-to-work \| Workforce \| Workforce Commission, Texas \|
Library Call Number:	L1836.74 w892
Session:	74th R.S. (1995)
Online version:	View report [92 pages File size: 3,793 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	The report must include identification of significant problems in the workforce development system, with recommendations for action by the chair, the executive director, and the commission.
2.	the status of the effectiveness of the workforce development system to provide necessary services to workers and employers of this state, with recommendations for any necessary research; and
3.	recommendations for legislative action.

* This represents an abstract of the report contents. Charge text is incomplete or unavailable.

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